Kimiko Date says sayonara to professional tennis, days before she turns 47
Tokyo — Japan’s Kimiko Date, the grand dame of women’s tennis, has announced she will retire from the game a few days short of her 47th birthday.The former world number four said on her official blog that she would add the "full stop" to her career by retiring — for a second time — after the Japan Women’s Open tournament, which begins in Tokyo on September 11."I have always been obsessed with competing," said Date, who took a 12-year hiatus from professional tennis after quitting at the peak of her powers in 1996."But increasingly I’ve found myself adjusting the length and intensity of training to look after my physical condition. It has not been an easy decision to sever the feeling that I want to get back on court and run around like I used to," added the eight-time WTA Tour singles champion and former Wimbledon semifinalist."But it is time to put the punctuation point on my tennis career." Date, a wiry 1.63m, has undergone knee surgery twice since appearing at the 2016 Australian...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.